Career Preparation

Students should be familiar with the necessary documents required for obtaining employment. Students should produce each of the following in a professional, error free manner.

_____Cover Letter_____Resume_____References_____Letters of Recommendation_____Thank You Letter

﻿Cover Letter

Purpose: A cover letter (also called a letter of application) has several purposes.

Employers ask for cover letters to find out how much effort applicants will make to get a job.

They may want to know how well you express yourself in writing.

It’s your chance to convince the employer to grant you an interview.

Be sure to call the company to which you are applying and ask for the name and correct spelling of the person in charge of hiring, so you can address your letter to the appropriate person!Please note that your resume should be enclosed with a cover letter when applying for the job.

Sample

Instructions are in RED text.

Dear Mr. Jones:In your initial paragraph, state the reason for the letter, the specific position or type of work for which you are applying, and indicate from which resource (placement center, news media, friend, employment service) you learned of the opening.I am applying for the welder position that you posted in the November 11 Detroit News and Free Press. My uncle, John Davis, has been working for your firm for 20 years, and highly recommends your company.Indicate why you are interested in the position, the company, its products or services- - above all, what you can do for the employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the position. If you’ve had some practical work qualifications, include that information. Try not to repeat the same information the reader will find in the resume. Refer the reader to the enclosed resume or application blank, which summarizes your qualifications, training, experience, or whatever media you may be utilizing to present yourself. I am currently a senior at Norton High School, where I am enrolled in the Business, Management, Marketing and Technology Program. My coursework has included the study of all facets of marketing, from product development to warehousing and distribution. I have sales experience through my experience at our school store, and have also had a lot of technology experience. To gain additional experience, I have also participated in competitions sponsored by DECA. Through these competitions I have learned how to apply the marketing knowledge gained from my coursework. In a recent competition, I placed first in the Personal Selling event.In the closing paragraph, indicate your desire for a personal interview and your flexibility as to time and place. Repeat your phone number in the letter and offer any assistance to help in a speedy response. Finally, close your letter with a statement or question, which will encourage a response. For example, state that you will be in the city where the company is located on a certain date and would like to set up an interview. Or, state that you will call on a certain date to set up an interview. Or, ask if the company will be recruiting in your area, or if it desires additional information or references. I would appreciate an interview at your convenience. I can be reached daily from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at 616.555.1455. Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon.

NOTE: In order to use the template, you will have to click on "file" then​"make a copy," rename the document and click, "ok."

Resume

​Purpose:A resume is a document containing a summary or listing of relevant education, job experience and skills. The goal of the resume is to help obtain an interview when seeking employment. Often the resume is the first item that a potential employer encounters regarding the job seeker, and therefore a large amount of importance is often given to it. Please note that your resume should be enclosed with a cover letter when applying for the job.

Directions:Use the sample resume provided below for a visual comparison. You will be responsible for identical formatting (bold, italics, and alignment using tabs and indentations). Use an 18 point, Times New Roman font on the first line, then 12 point thereafter. Please, do not align using the space key!

NOTE: In order to use the template, you will have to click on "file" then "make a copy," rename the document and click, "ok."

References

Purpose:The purpose of the reference page is to "close the deal." Employers will use this information to verify employment title, position, dates employed and work ethic.

Directions:Create a reference page using the template below. Choose three five professional references. (They should not be friends or family.)Include supervisors, co-workers, teachers.Include name, title of individual, name of organization, contact information (including address, email and phone number)

Letters of recommendation

Purpose:A Letter of Recommendation is an evaluation of your talents and abilities, and a statement about your maturity and personality. It is typically written by a faculty member or supervisor and is used for internship placement, colleges, and scholarship committees to evaluate your potential.

The content and quality of these letters, as well as the caliber of the people who write them, are critical to the selection process.

Strong letters of recommendation are often the deciding factor in the selection process.

Directions:Read over the Helpful HInts for Requesting a Letter of Recommendation (below)Fill out the Personal Information Sheet and make 3 copies (2 to give away and 1 to keep)Seek out 2 individuals to write 2 letters of recommendation.

sample

September 14, 2012

To Whom it May Concern:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Joe Smith. I have known Mr. Smith on a professional basis for 5 years. Mr. Smith’s record is one of solid accomplishments in his academic career. Mr. Smith would be of great value to your institution as he presents with the following qualifications:

Acknowledged for raising the bar in school and avocational activities.

Demonstrated ability to consistently follow instructions and comply with the policies and procedures of the work environment.

Education and Experience maintaining a high school diploma from Krisbson High School and completing internships and volunteering with local business partners has given him a sense of personal achievement.

Work Ethic in and out of school is apparent by his arriving 15 minutes early each morning. He is hard working and can stick to a task.

Work Attendance is perfect. He has a track record of missing less than 2 days per year of school.

Work Pride in the co workers, teachers, coaches and customers that he comes in contact with. He studies websites in an effort to familiarize himself with local businesses.

Work Initiative and Independence is demonstrated as he routinely completes assignments early and then asks if there is anything else that I would like for him to do.

Work Humility is expressed as he is willing to work at entry level jobs before he advances.

Flexibility to change in his work duties throughout the day. He easily accepts changes in duties, assignments and supervisors.

Accountability with task follow through and accuracy is next to none. When presented with a dead line, he not only meets it, he achieves above the standard of completion expected.

Loyalty is at the forefront of his character. He is a fair-minded person who develops lifelong relationships.

Certifications in Customer Service and CORE curriculum vouch for his ability to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Coach ability and willingness to learn is at the forefront of his success. He has achieved great things as a result of accepting guidance from Specialists or Experts in the field.

Mr. Smith’s goal at this point in time is to advance his skills to gain knowledge and experience with your company. He is reliable, dependable and motivated to have a positive impact within your organization. I respectfully submit his name as a candidate.

Thank you letters

Purpose:The Thank You letter will solidify your candidacy by reconnecting with the employer to develop rapport. It is another opportunity to demonstrate follow through and any other skills and strengths that you would like to highlight.

Directions:​Review the sample Thank You letter below, as well as the button "How to address an envelope properly."Use the template to create a generic Thank You letter that you could use for future job interviews.

sample

Thank you for the opportunity to interview for the Welding position on Friday, January 8, 2016. I enjoyed meetingyour team during the interview process. I am interested in the position and would like to become a member of the team at Give Me a Job, Inc.

I feel that my experience at Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southwest in the Engineering and Emerging Technologies classroom has allowed me to hone my skills with Mig and Tig Welding. My participation within the class has given me many opportunities to work as a team to develop, fabricate, and execute project specific designs. I feel these experiences would give me an advantage in your work environment. I am confident I could be a valuable member of your team.

Again, I appreciate your time and consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions or need more information. I look forward to hearing from youand hope to join your staff soon.